Tanzania Veterinary Journal (The Tropical Veterinarian), 2015; 30 (1): 58-63
Methyl-2-benzimidazole (carbendazim) is widely used fungicide in the field and post-harvest crops
for control of fungal diseases. It inhibits microtubule assembly by binding to the β-tubulin sub-unit of
the microtubule. This study was carried out to assess the effect of carbendazim on haematological
parameters in the Japanese quails. Carbendazim in sunflower oil was administered orally to mature
Japanese quails at dosages of 0 mg/kg (control), 25mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg.
Blood samples were analysed for total plasma protein, total red blood cell count (RCC), haemoglobin
concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean
corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), haematocrit (PCV), total white cell count (WCC)
and differential white cell count. Carbendazim generally decreased the mean values of total plasma
protein, RCC, WCC, as well as differential white cell count. In addition, carbendazim significantly
decreased mean values of PCV and MCV (P < 0.05). The results of the current study indicate that
carbendazim has a potential effect on haematological parameters in exposed birds. The use of this
chemical should be monitored to reduce environmental contamination which might be the source of
exposure to wild animals